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314 UNCLE TOM'S CABIN; OR
" I 'm sure I don't know; I never saw such a child as this."
" Such children are very common among us, and such men and women, too. How are they to be governed ? " said St. Clare.
" I 'm sure it 's more than I can say," said Miss Ophelia.
" Or I either," said St. Clare. " The horrid cruelties and outrages that once in a while find their way into the papers, — such cases as Prue's, for example, — what do they come from ? In many cases, it is a gradual hardening process on both sides, — the owner growing more and more cruel, as the servant more and more callous. Whipping and abuse are like laudanum; you have to double the dose as the sensibilities decline. I saw this very early when I became an owner; and I resolved never to begin, because I did not know when I should stop, — and I resolved, at least, to protect my own moral nature. The consequence is, that my servants act like spoiled children; but I think that better than for us both to be brutalized together. You have talked a great deal about our responsibilities in educating, cousin. I really wanted you to try with one child, who is a specimen of thousands among us."
" It is your system makes such children," said Miss Ophelia.
"1l know it; but they are made, — they exist, — and what is to be done with them ? "
"Well, I can't say I thank you for the experiment. But, then, as it appears to be a duty, I shall persevere and try, and do the best I can," said Miss Ophelia; and Miss Ophelia, after this, did labor, with a commendable degree of zeal and energy, on her new subject. She instituted regular hours and employments for her, and undertook to teach her to read and to sew.
In the former art, the child was quick enough. She learned her letters as if by magic, and was very soon able |
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